Margaret Thornton

Margaret V. Thornton of Moscow died Monday, December 18, 2017 at her home. She was 96, and will be remembered as a kind and loving soul. Margaret was born August 2, 1921 at Wendell, Idaho to Martin and Lois Swanson Ward. She grew up on the family farm with her siblings until her sophomore year when the family moved to Moscow. She graduated from Moscow High School in 1939, the first graduating class in the "new high school". She then attended the University of Idaho. On September 9, 1942 she married Everett M. "Mort" Thornton in Moscow. Margaret worked at Washburn-Wilson Seed Company while Mort was serving in the Navy. Following his discharge Margaret was a homemaker, bowled on several leagues and was a member of Bridge Clubs over the years. Margaret worked at Garrett Freight Lines in Moscow for at time. She went to work in the Registry Department at the Appaloosa Horse Club until 1987, retiring after 26 years with them. Mort, her husband of nearly 50 years, preceded her in death in 1991. Margaret is survived by her son, Rod (Diana) Thornton of Pullman and daughter, Vicki (Mike) McGahan of Moscow. She also leaves five grandchildren, Michelle Randall, Brian Thornton, Lisa Hall, Amber Thornton, and Tanner Thornton and twelve great grandchildren, Tyler, Morgan, Dane, Jake, Taylor, Ellie, Abbie, Liberty, Cole, Breeynn, Dakota, River, and a brother, Tom Ward in Spokane as well as numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, Margaret was also preceded in death by her brothers, Bruce Ward and Don Ward, and an infant son in 1943. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff of Good Samaritan Moscow Village for the exceptional care and compassion toward Margaret during her last days. The urn placement and graveside service will be with Mort at the Moscow Cemetery on April 28, 2018 at 11:00 AM. A celebration of life will follow at the La Quinta Inn. Memorials to Good Samaritan or to Life Flight are suggested. Arrangements have been entrusted to Short's Funeral Chapel, Moscow, and online condolences may be sent to www.shortsfuneralchapel.net.